With its stunning yellow blooms, the Mullein—also affectionately known as the “Velvet Plant”—is a total game-changer for any garden. These plants produce tall, spear-like flower spikes covered in countless tiny blossoms that really make a statement. If you’re looking to add more of these beauties to your yard, you’ll be happy to know they are incredibly easy to grow from seed.
Here are your two main options:
- Letting the plant self-seed naturally
- Planting the seeds yourself exactly where you want them
Mullein is a self-seeding superstar
Mullein doesn’t just put on a show with its flowers; once those blooms fade, the plant produces a massive amount of seeds. If you’re happy letting the plant spread out around its current spot, you barely have to lift a finger. These seeds are pretty hardy and don’t need much moisture to get going. In this case, you can just sit back and let Mother Nature do the heavy lifting.
There is just one thing to keep in mind: don’t be too quick to prune or cut back the flower spikes as soon as the color fades. Those seed pods need a little time to mature. Once they’re ready, the tiny pods will pop open and scatter the seeds on their own. After that, you’re all set for a new generation of plants!
How to take charge of the sowing process
If you want to start Mullein in a brand-new spot or are starting with a packet of store-bought seeds, you can easily direct-sow them. If you’re harvesting seeds from an existing plant, just wait for the pods to dry out and then snip one off.
For the best results, I recommend using fresh seeds and getting them in the ground in the fall. This mimics their natural cycle, and you’ll see those first green shoots popping up in the spring. When picking a spot, go for a location with plenty of sun and well-draining soil. Mullein is a champ when it comes to heat and drought, but it really hates having “wet feet” (standing water), so avoid any soggy areas!
